PL2016 - Week 21

Week 21... The week of sick Libby.

Pets. You become totally attached to them, only to get stressed out when they're not themselves. This week Libby dominated. We had her to the vet 3 times in 4 days. Not fun, especially when it makes you  realize how crazy about them you are... 

This week, aside from Libby's vet visits, Mason sent me a text that there had been a fire at his school. It turns out they were doing work in the mechanical room, and an electric panel caught fire. It never got out of control, but did set fire alarm off. The school was evacuated, fire department showed up, the whole thing was over before it began. But sending this text home to your Mum, priceless. Mad got a pass to Telus Spark, so we went one rainy afternoon. Had to get a shot of all the stuff Libby is on... It was ridiculous.

The following Sahlin Studio product was used:

Melon Sorbet - Elements
Melon Sorbet - Journal Cards

PL2016 - Week 20

Week 20 or May 9th - 15th, also happened to be when I played along with Ali Edwards and her 'Week in the Life'. 

This is the first time, in many years, that I didn't really feel 'up to' following along. My DSLR camera has been acting up, and the thought of taking a ton of pictures and losing them, didn't appeal to me. I decided not to do it.

And then at the last minute, I decided to do it, only 'simplified'.

I knew that if i didn't do it, I would look back and regret not doing it. I know this is the case, because I regret that lack of photos I took this past Christmas. I was having the same camera issue then... I know, I know, I need to do something with/about my camera. Either have it repaired [which I've googled and rumor has it, it's a temporary fix] or replace it. But it's just so darn costly...

This year I followed along and did my week in the life, using nothing but my iphone. Better than nothing. I've composed the photos, just have to print them off and put them in an album. This year I went with a 4x4 mini album. It's very picture heavy. There is very little journaling [I'm sure I'll regret this years down the road as well] But I've captured photos. I've recorded our week in the life. At least I won't regret the picture void.

Even when I'm documenting a week in the life, I still do a page for my project life album. It's a little bit redundant. But only a little bit...

This years project life spread is 12x24. This allows me to add a little bit more information. I'm still loving one week in one 12x12 spread. I also love that I can change it up, whenever it suits me. This week it happened to suit me.

Here is week 20, of a week in the life:

As I've done in the past, I changed all the pictures to B/W and continuously used the same elements over and over again. Ali happens to be a big supporter of repetition, and when you're documenting one week in such detail, I can't help but agree.

Also, I LOVED how she added the days on little manila tags, so I copied that element for my page.

Here's a closer look at the left side:

And a close look at the right side:

Lots of photos that included me this week. Which though I try to do on a fairly regular basis, isn't something I have a lot of.

The journal cards on all the days are just point form. I jotted down what went on in our days, knowing the album I wanted to do, would not have all the words included. At least the memories are captured somewhere.

When I finish my mini album, I'll plan to share it.

The following Sahlin Studio Product was used:

Viewpoint - Elements
Viewpoint - Journal Cards
Viewpoint - Paper
Paper Piercing Stitch Holes 

The Story of our New Trailer

In early June, we bought a second hand tent trailer.

It all stemmed from our camping experience last summer. A friend of mine invited me and the kids out for a few days of camping in Kananaskis.

On the way out, Madelyn had said to me, "Mummy, we're going to have so much fun, you're going to want to go camping All. The. Time." And I thought to myself, "No little girl. I will not."

But I did have a great time. So, when I got home I began to glance through Kijiji, looking for our new inexpensive, second-hand trailer.

I never found it. Summer came and went. Fall came and went. Winter came and went. I never found our trailer.

I continued browsing through Kijiji, every so often, still looking.

Me and the kids were invited again, by my friend, to join them camping this coming summer. We'd passed the test, and were all compatible. The kids were beyond thrilled. And very vocal that this time we needed to go for longer, FOR A WHOLE WEEK.

So I began to look at used trailers again with more interest.

During this time, Barry happened to mention to his brother, that I was on the quest for a tent trailer. He happened to have one for sale...

All the stars aligned, and we happen to be the proud new owners of a tent trailer.

To say that we are excited, is an understatement... Or  at least, to say I am excited might be more accurate.

The boys love camping. The Scouts tent camp 2-3 times a year [even in the winter!] I am however, no longer a fan of tent camping. I'm past laying on the hard/damp ground. I want to be up off the ground. The tent trailer gives us that. It's similar to tenting, but more comfortable sleeping arrangements. We are still what I would consider 'roughing it', but we're roughing it with electricity. It's absolutely dreamy to plug in a kettle and make a hot beverage first thing in the morning.
If the weather is not conducive to being outside, we can hang out inside, play cards, read, play games, colour [or let's be honest... NAP] We can get out of the weather.

I would definitely not say we are glamping. No electronics. No TV's or video games. No large fridge to keep items cold. [Though, we just might bring our ice maker with us the next time we go] There's no bathroom, and we won't hook up  water. No, it's definitely what I consider roughing it.

So yes, I'm excited. Because I love being in the mountains. Am I afraid of bears? Good heavens, YES. But there are enough people out and about, that I actually feel easier about it now. That and the fact that we have Madelyn with us certainly helps. First, she rarely stops talking. Second, she's a loud talker.

The down-side to camping so far, is registration for camping opened in February. We picked up our trailer in June. Every weekend is booked. Which means we've needed to be a little bit more creative. We've booked our dates through the week. So far, it's worked out for us. 

Here is a layout I created from out first camping trip. Our 1st Adventure:

The layout above, is Sahlin Studio's free template available for the month of July only, get it before it's too late! 

Looking forward to more adventures this summer.
 
Sahlin Studio Product Used:

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Highs-and-Lows-Journal-Cards.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Highs-and-Lows-Elements.html

http://the-lilypad.com/store/Highs-and-Lows-Papers.html

http://sahlinstudio.com/free-digital-scrapbooking-template-sketch-july-2016/

PL2016 - Week 19

Here is my layout for week 19 of my project life album.

This was one busy week.

First off, our little girl turned 11.  E L E V E N... How can that possibly be? Her 11th birthday happened to be the same day as the school's musical performance of "Off Their Rocker's", which Madelyn had the part of Rosie. [The premise of the musical was a bunch of people in a old folks home reminiscing about the music of yesterday] It was only about 1/2 an hour long, Mad delivered her line perfectly, and all the work that had gone into this performance was worth it. I got a great photo of Mason, which these days isn't easy. We also had the Division II Music Concert, which was another event entirely. After that performance a bunch of the kids from school went to DQ to celebrate with an 'after' party. These cute boys are some of her classmates.

And sadly, we lost Madelyn's little Stump this week. It was traumatic for all involved. [Well, mostly me and Madelyn I think] The next day we held a little service for her beloved hamster. 5 weeks was not long enough, she's told me on a number of occasions. That's how long she had him. 5 week... Eeks. Not looking to do that again anytime soon, though we probably have 3 years worth of hamster supplies.

Sahlin Studio product used:


Highs &Lows - Elements
Highs &Lows - Journal Cards
Highs & Lows - paper
Paper Piercing Stitch Holes

PL2016 - Week 18

Fell off the track a little bit there.

I was doing a pretty good job of at least weekly project life updates. 

Last week, I'd planned to get a post out before we headed away camping for a few days, but I just wasn't able to squeeze a post in. 

Sadly, I came home from our camping adventure with a  head cold. Which really sucks. And also really derailed the train. 

Here is Week 18:

This week: glimpse of Prince's Island from inside the Peace Bridge. A snuggle with my little dog. Carpet cleaning, and the empty family room. Spring ring, Madelyn getting ready and in place to score a goal. We had the ringette wind up, and Sam the shark was drawn to be given to one of the members of the team. Sadly, it wasn't our girl. And there were tears. So we took a souvenir photo instead. Our girl turned 11.

The following Sahlin Studio Product was used:

Create - Kit Sampler
Create - Journal cards